Barcelona monitoring two young Bundesliga talents as search for defensive reinforcement intensifies | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are closely monitoring the market as they intensify the search for a new centre-back signing.

The Catalans are not only looking for a potential short-term signing in January to make up for Andreas Christensen’s injury-enforced absence, but also have plans to make a top-quality addition in the summer of 2026 to their defensive ranks.

The Blaugrana would like to make progress on at least one of the two signings planned, but this has proven impossible because of the club’s salary situation.

Yet, the scouting department continues to work hard to identify and track potential targets, with two new names popping up on the club’s radar.

Indeed, according to SPORT, Barcelona have identified two very interesting options in the Bundesliga, both of whom have been monitored closely: Konstantinos Koulierakis of Wolfsburg and Luka Vuskovic of Hamburg, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

Koulierakis impresses Barcelona

Koulierakis was a long-term investment for Wolfsburg, who signed him from PAOK for close to €12 million in 2024. Since then, he has become one of the standout centre-backs in the German league.

The 22-year-old is a left-footed defender, and his passing range, ability to play out from the back and vision are among his main strengths. He is quick and shows clear leadership qualities.

Liverpool have already shown interest in the Greek star, although everything suggests that he will not leave before the summer. His playing style is considered a clear fit for Barcelona.

Vuskovic is a Pini Zahavi client

Luka Vuskovic (L) is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

The other player under consideration is Luka Vuskovic. Tottenham signed him last January for €12 million from Hajduk Split and loaned him to Hamburg, where he has made a major impact. So much so that his valuation has risen to €40 million in just a few months.

Vuskovic is right-footed, although he can play across the defensive line. He is strong, has good vision and an exceptional level of potential. The centre-back does not wish to return to Tottenham, and his situation could therefore remain open.

It must also be noted that his agent is Pini Zahavi, who has a strong relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta. As such, the player has been discussed internally at the club in recent weeks, and his future remains to be seen.

For now, both options are virtually unfeasible for January.

Barcelona would prefer to invest in a centre-back with long-term potential rather than bring in an experienced veteran on loan to cover short-term needs. But financial constraints make such moves extremely difficult. How the situation ultimately develops remains open.